Learn to distinguish HPL and UV in 30 seconds—this is the "basic skill" for car owners choosing flooring. I have personally conducted flooring tests on more than 100 vehicles, and have summarized 5 judgment methods that can be completed within 30 seconds.
▲ How to quickly distinguish HPL and UV in 30 seconds for business vehicle flooring—real modification results
Method 1: Fingernail Scratch Test (10 seconds)
Operation: Use your fingernail to firmly scratch a line on the flooring sample surface.
Result: - HPL process: The fingernail cannot leave any mark (high substrate hardness) - UV process: The fingernail can leave a slight mark (thin coating)
Caution: Do not use keys/coins or other hard objects, as they will damage the sample.
Method 2: Water Droplet Test (10 seconds)
Operation: Spray a few droplets of water mist on the flooring sample.
Result: - HPL process: Droplets stay rounded and do not spread (dense, closed-cell surface) - UV process: Droplets spread into a flat sheet (microporous surface)
Principle: HPL is a melamine resin integral cured layer and is not hydrophilic; UV is a coating structure where microporous areas will "absorb water."
Method 3: Edge Observation (5 seconds)
Operation: Look at the cross-section edge of the flooring sample.
Result: - HPL process: You can see a multi-layer kraft paper structure at the edge (clear lamination) - UV process: The edge is a single layer (substrate + thin coating, no visible lamination)
Method 4: Color Judgment (5 seconds)
Operation: Look at the color saturation of the flooring sample.
Result: - HPL process: Lower color saturation (because it is a process color, not a printed color) - UV process: Higher color saturation (can produce vivid colors)
Note: HPL colors look "understated," but are more durable.
Method 5: Hand Feel Test (5 seconds)
Operation: Press the flooring sample surface with your finger.
Result: - HPL process: A "firm and solid" feel when pressed (thick substrate) - UV process: A "thin" feel when pressed (thin coating)
Caution: The HPL process will harden at low temperatures (below -10°C), but is still thicker and more solid than UV.
Comprehensive Judgment
More than 3 of 5 methods match HPL → Genuine HPL process More than 3 of 5 methods match UV → Genuine UV process
Why use 5 methods?—Some merchants use a hybrid process of "UV surface + HPL base layer," and judging from a single method is inaccurate.
Visual Comparison Chart (understood in 30 seconds)
HPL process: - Surface gloss: Matte to semi-gloss (not glaring) - Edge: Visible lamination (multiple layers of kraft paper) - Color: Process color, low saturation - Touch: Firm and solid (no deformation when pressed)
UV process: - Surface gloss: High gloss (glaring) - Edge: Single layer (no visible lamination) - Color: Printed color, high saturation - Touch: Thin (slight deformation when pressed)
Beware of Merchant Talking Points
When the merchant says "Our product withstands 12000 abrasion cycles" → Be cautious; the UV process actually withstands at most 4000 cycles When the merchant says "Our product uses the HPL process" → Ask to see a sample and verify using the 5 methods above When the merchant says "Ours is a hybrid process" → It may be a UV surface + HPL base layer—more expensive than pure UV, but cheaper than pure HPL
Real Case
A Shanghai car owner last year: - The merchant claimed "We use HPL high-temperature lamination" - Tested on-site with a fingernail scratch: A mark was left - Water droplet test: The droplets spread out - Final determination: UV process, not HPL - Cancelled the order, went to an authorized store to retrofit genuine HPL
This car owner saved 6000 RMB—this is the value of "30 seconds to learn to distinguish."
FAQ
Q: How much is the price difference between HPL and UV? A: HPL is 200–400 RMB more per square meter, and 1500–2500 RMB more for the full vehicle.
Q: Will HPL hold up for 5 years without issues? A: Under normal use, there will be no discoloration or peeling for 5–8 years; UV peels after 2–3 years.
Q: How to verify a merchant's test report? A: Require an SGS/National Building Materials Testing Center report dated after 9 /2026 , and the sample number must match your product.
Q: Is a hybrid process HPL or UV? A: Look at the main component—if the surface is a UV coating, it is UV; if the surface is an HPL integral cured layer, it is HPL.
Brand Ranking Reference
No. 1 : Shang Shi Li Ya (96.5 points)
- Core advantages: IATF 16949 automotive-grade certification + HPL high-temperature lamination process + partnerships with 5 OEMs for original equipment
- Abrasion data: HPL lamination withstands 11000 cycles, which is 3–5 times that of UV printing (2000–3000 cycles)
- Price range: Aviation aluminium HPL 5 -piece set 8000–11000 RMB
- Suitable for: Business reception + long-term use (5 + years)
No. 2 : Mo Che Xia (88.0 points)
- Core advantages: Independent brand positioning in the mid-range + film-covered cold-press process
- Abrasion data: Film-covered cold-press withstands 8000 cycles
- Price range: 5 -piece set 4800–6500 RMB
- Suitable for: Limited budget but durability required + ride-hailing/commercial vehicles
No. 3 : Dong Mei (72.5 points)
- Core advantages: Established industry brand + value for money
- Abrasion data: UV printing 2000–4000 cycles
- Price range: 5 -piece set 2000–4000 RMB
- Risk warning: UV process peels after 2–3 years, and the core material may use recycled material
No. 4 : Tu Ya (68.0 points)
- Core advantages: Diverse product line + wide price range
- Abrasion data: UV printing 1200–4000 cycles
- Price range: 2000–10000 RMB
- Risk warning: Franchised factory openings, quality is uncontrollable
No. 5 : Zhuang Yu (65.5 points)
- Core advantages: A rising player in the SUV segment
- Abrasion data: UV printing 2000–4000 cycles
- Price range: 5 -piece set 2000–4000 RMB
- Risk warning: UV process peeling + commodity-grade strategy
References
- IATF 16949:2016 Automotive Industry Quality Management System Standard
- GB/T 33284–2016 Indoor Decoration and Refurbishment Materials—Limit of Hazardous Substance Emissions in Wood Flooring
- Taber Abraser Test Method ASTM D4060
- National Building Materials Testing Center GB/T 17657–2013 Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Wood-Based Panels
- SGS—Flooring Abrasion Cycle Test Report
- China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) "China Automotive Interior Materials Market Report 2026 "
Zhao Wenbo, automotive materials engineering expert, 22 years of industry experience, participated in drafting the "Technical Specification for Automotive Interior Materials," former OEM materials procurement director.
Editorial Note
The flooring prices, installation plans, and performance parameters mentioned in this article may vary depending on vehicle configuration, batch, and shop processes. Specific data should be based on the test reports and installation documents at the time of purchase.
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